Overview of Faculty Development Specialist

Purdue University Northwest is seeking a Faculty Developement Specialist. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE), the Faculty Development Specialist plays a key leadership role in coordinating faculty development programming and managing the Center’s internal operations. This position is responsible for designing and facilitating evidence-based professional development opportunities, ensuring effective implementation of faculty development programs and internal operations, and supporting strategic initiatives. The Faculty Development Specialist collaborates closely with CFE staff, academic departments, and university partners to promote teaching excellence and faculty engagement.

Pay:

• $55,000-$60,000

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, Typically 8am – 5pm with occasional work outside those hours
• Will flex work schedule to accommodate 

Duties and Responsibilities of Faculty Development Specialist

• Faculty Development & Engagement – Design and facilitate workshops, institutes, events, and professional learning opportunities focused on evidence-based instructional strategies and faculty success. Provide individual and group consultations to faculty across disciplines. Collaborate with CFE colleagues to ensure programming is aligned with Center goals and delivered consistently
• Program Management & Internal Operations – Oversee the day-to-day program operations and internal processes of the Center for Faculty Excellence. Coordinate scheduling, event setup, and resource allocation. Maintain internal workflows and operational resources. Provide strategic and logistical support to the Executive Director and CFE team to ensure the effective delivery of programs and services.
• Communication & Resource Creation – Oversee the Center’s internal communications strategy, including email campaigns, website updates, and promotional materials, ensuring alignment with university branding and accessibility standards. Develop online guides, toolkits, videos, and other resources to support faculty development.
• Program Evaluation & Strategic Initiatives – Lead needs assessments and evaluate the effectiveness of faculty development programs. Use data and feedback to inform planning, resource development, and continuous improvement. Support the Executive Director in implementing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
• Budget & Resource Management – Monitor the Center’s budget, track expenditures, process purchases and fund transfers, and maintain accurate financial records. Collaborate with the Executive Director and Budget Manager to ensure alignment with university financial procedures.

Benefits of Faculty Development Specialist

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more 
• Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover  
• University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period) 
• University contributions to Health Savings Account –  
  • Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives 
• 10 paid holidays 
• Employee Wellness Programs 
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service 
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
 
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana in the greater Chicago area and near the Indiana Dunes National Park, PNW serves approximately 9,000 students, including 6,000 core students, in a wide range of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and applied doctoral levels. 

Purdue Northwest employs more than 1,000 faculty and staff members for operations at its main campus in Hammond, Ind., and its branch campus in Westville, Ind., plus additional sites in Northwest Indiana including the Gabis Arboretum near Valparaiso, Ind. PNW’s values reflect the university’s commitment to respect, innovation, a student-centric university, and excellence. 

PNW is consistently ranked among the best public regional universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges report and is recognized as a First Scholars institution as well as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. With its vision to cultivate leaders, inspire excellence, and impact our world, PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development.

Education of Faculty Development Specialist

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Higher Education or a related field required

Experience of Faculty Development Specialist

• Minimum of three years of college-level teaching experience, faculty development experience, and/or related experience in higher education.
• Preferred: Experience working in a teaching and learning center or similar support unit. 

Core Competencies of Faculty Development Specialist

Required:

• Deep knowledge of course design, evidence-based instructional practices, and student engagement strategies.
• Experience designing and delivering professional development programs in higher education.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and consultation skills for diverse faculty audiences.
• Experience conducting needs assessments, and analyzing and using data to inform program development and improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic planning and lead initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Brightspace), communication tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and content creation platforms (e.g., Canva, WordPress).

Preferred:

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and universal design for learning (UDL).
• Proficiency with the Brightspace learning management system.
• Demonstrated ability to create accessible and engaging faculty development resources (e.g., toolkits, guides, videos).
• Experience working with early career faculty and supporting their onboarding and development.
• Knowledge of PNW and Purdue University System values and goals related to student success and faculty excellence. 

Additional Information

FLSA Status